March 27 (Reuters) - Cruise operator Carnival Corp (CCL.N), (CCL.L) on Monday reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss and beat estimates for revenue, helped by resilient demand for leisure travel, higher ticket prices and strong on-board spending. Carnival also benefited from easing of on-board COVID-19 protocols that ensured strong spending in casinos and spas. On-board and other revenue came in at $1.56 billion and accounted for 35% of the total revenue in the first quarter. The company posted an adjusted net loss of 55 cents per share in the quarter, compared with estimates of a loss of 60 cents per share, according to Refinitiv. The company expects an annual loss between 28 cents per share and 44 cents per share, compared with estimates of a loss of 8 cents.

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